CASS+ is here for families going through the Justice System. It's a traumatic experience for everyone, not just the person going to court.

CASS+ is here for families going through the Justice System. However, many would not be going to court if they had been given the right help earlier. It’s tragic.

It’s a traumatic experience for everyone, not just the person going to court. That’s why we’re also here for the families of people facing court.

Frustrations build

For many years, Tom’s family tried so hard to get help. They are a hardworking, caring family. His mother, Jenny*, works in health and social care so she understands the public sector. And yet, this family was unable to get the support they needed.

ADHD, autism, panic attacks, outbursts, and suicidal ideation are a lot for any family to deal with. But recent loss and grief made it even harder to cope.

Jenny has been worried sick, trying to get him through his education, then at the doctor’s surgery and finally, with the police and at court.

Unfortunately, Tom* has been sectioned twice. After two suicide attempts and disappearing on countless occasions, he ended up at court.

It all came to a head at court

Tom should never have come through the Justice System. If he had got help earlier, this family would not have been put through all this. It took 10 years of hell and a court appearance before anything finally got dealt with.

Henri, CASS+ Coordinator, called his mum Jenny* from our hub inside the court and they haven’t looked back.

Why the whole family needs support

Jenny picks up with her side of the story:

‘I feel so let down by the system. I probably would have had a breakdown if it hadn’t been for Henri. We definitely could not have got through all this without her. In fact, I don’t think my son would be here if it hadn’t been for CASS+.

Henri intuitively knew how to resolve the chaos. She could see his potential and didn’t judge. For the first time in years, we have someone on our side who genuinely cares. On top of this, Henri keeps her word. If she says she will ring at 8am in the morning, that’s what she does. As a result, Tom trusts her. This is a major breakthrough for someone who has been let down over and over.

FINALLY, something is being done.

How has Henri helped?

Henri has been like a dog with a bone. Above all, she has counselling skills and experience. She’s organised so much: filling in forms; calling different services; getting appointments with psychiatrists, doctors and physios; giving emotional support; applying for a grant to get clothes; fixing benefits and PIP; liaising with court staff; and, above all, just being there for us.

In addition, Henri is firm but kind and Tom is growing in confidence, becoming more independent and taking responsibility for his actions.

Focussing on positive steps

It means so much to have someone on our side. Each day, there’s progress. I can see that Henri gets a lot of support from her colleagues.

Words of wisdom

There’s always an underlying reason for someone going through the Justice System. It stands to reason that their basic needs should be met, otherwise they’ll just keep re-offending. If the system focused more on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and sorting out psychological, safety and security needs first, there would be far less people like Tom going through the Justice System.

Leaving court behind

I’ve learnt to live in the moment, taking each day at a time. I’m so lucky to have good family and friends. I want to give other families hope.

To sum up, I can see a future for my son. There’s sunshine ahead. That’s why I love sunflowers.’

Thank you

A big thank you to Devon Community Foundation for funding Henri’s post in the past, and now to People’s Post Code Lottery for supporting the role into the future. We couldn’t do this without you.

Here for you at court

Please get in touch if you are in a similar situation. We’re here for you and your family at court and into life beyond.

 

*Name has been changed to safeguard the client.

Identifying details have been removed to ensure anonymity.